Solar panels installed on Newhaven club roof

Hundreds of solar panels have been installed on a bowls club roof in Newhaven which will save around 25 tonnes of carbon per year from entering the atmosphere.

Around 400 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed on the roof of Denton Island Indoor Bowls Club.

The 100 kilowatt peak (kWp) system was fitted free of charge through Renewable Energy Investments (REI).

The club will purchase zero carbon electricity from renewable energy investor and developer REI at a heavily discounted rate under its Solar Power Purchase Scheme.

It will then assume ownership of the system - on its south facing roof - in 20 years.

The new system will reduce the club’s annual £13,900 electricity bill by 35 per cent and save an estimated £181,185 from its bills over the next two decades.

Mike Goldstone, club finance director, said: “The amount of pre-planning and consultation about the general impact of the installation was tremendous. REI were extremely flexible in relation to the fact that we were running an operational club while the system was being installed.

“Their staff were courteous and polite, everything happened on time with minor disruption considering the size of the job. They met deadlines and there was good communication about how the system works. I would give them nine out of ten for all they did at our club.”

Toby Smith, projects director at REI, said: “Like many similar sporting clubs and businesses, Denton Island was able to maximise its own roof and take advantage of strong solar radiation levels through our fully funded PV scheme. As well as cutting its carbon footprint, it also means the club will save money and deliver greater benefits and value for money for its members with funds instead being spent on priorities elsewhere.”

The club is lit for 3,000 hours a year. Any excess electricity from the solar PV system will be fed into the national grid. So far it has generated 16,000 kWh of clean green power. It is estimated to generate 103,000 kWh per year.

Denton Island Bowls Club has more than 500 members and plays host to county events and competitions.